Delhi govt proposes bill to regulate private school fees

The Delhi government has introduced a new bill aimed at regulating fee structures in private schools, following repeated complaints from parents about arbitrary and unaffordable hikes.

Titled “The Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025,” the legislation was tabled in the Assembly on Aug 4 by Education Minister Ashish Sood.

“Education is not a thing to be sold... This bill has been brought to stop the commercialization of education. We are bringing this bill to take action against those who are selling education,” Sood told the House.

The proposed bill would require private schools in Delhi to seek prior approval from a regulatory body before implementing any fee increase.

It also introduces transparency requirements and penalties to hold institutions accountable for exploitative practices.

According to officials, the new bill outlines several key measures, including mandatory government approval before any fee hike, full transparency in all charges and components of the fee structure, penalties such as fines and potential de-recognition of non-compliant schools, and a formal grievance redressal system for parents.

In the 2025–26 academic year, fee hikes of 30 to 45% by several private schools triggered a backlash, especially among middle- and working-class families. Many struggled to afford the revised charges, leading to protests and legal disputes.

A major protest took place on July 20 at Jantar Mantar, where hundreds of parents demanded stricter regulations and clearer fee disclosures.

Accusations of schools functioning as commercial entities without oversight gained traction after reports emerged of students being barred from classes due to unpaid fees.

One high-profile case involved Delhi Public School, Dwarka, which expelled several students after their parents refused to pay the increased fees.

The matter reached the Delhi High Court, which directed the school to readmit the students and ordered parents to pay 50% of the disputed fee as an interim measure.

The court also expressed concern over the absence of safeguards for students in such conflicts.

The legislation represents a major change in how Delhi plans to address the longstanding issue of fee regulation.

While many parents have welcomed the move as necessary and overdue, some private school administrators argue that fee flexibility is essential for maintaining quality education, infrastructure, and teacher compensation.